Plans for 650 homes and link road progressing in Chippenham

The Rawlings Green development in Chippenham could see up to 650 new homes built at Rawlings Farm, to the east of Langley Park.

Outline planning permission was granted in 2021 and developers Summix confirmed they are now preparing a more detailed application to submit to Wiltshire Council.

The project took a step closer to fruition on Tuesday, May 7, when councillors voted to approve the appropriation of land at Darcy Close.

SEE MORE: Plans for more than 600 homes in Chippenham move forward

The site at Rawlings Farm (Image: Newsquest)

This will allow the construction of a new link road to the site, via an alteration and extension of the residential area, which is a condition of approval.

Summix says this link road would join the development to the B4069 Langley Road via Parsonage Way and would include a bridge over the railway to Cocklebury Road through Darcy Close.

While it is hoped this will improve “connectivity”, residents remain concerned the development could significantly increase existing traffic in Monkton Park.

Residents have been voicing their opinions in reaction to the news that plans are progressing on Facebook and through comments on the Gazette and Herald’s website.

John Sheppard posted on Facebook: “Even more traffic mayhem for the only road in and out of Monkton Park.”

Someone, under the username Orson Carte, shared a similar view, posting on the website: “It is surely utter madness to add 600 dwellings and further commercial premises to be accessed from Station Hill - still, despite decades of campaigning and broken promises, the only way in and out of Monkton Park.

“The hill (which, let us not forget, feeds not only Monkton Park estate but also the station, the history centre, the Olympiad, the college and various commercial premises) is already horribly congested with parking on both sides and heavy vehicles loading and unloading, and the ridiculous and unwanted lights at the bottom of the hill are an utter abomination that causes tail-backs in every direction.”

Another comment on the, posted under the username Jay Heisenberg, reads: “Totally agree that a new road is needed to get out. It's going to be hectic on that hill especially when lorries bring supplies.”

Wiltshire Council confirmed the site has been allocated for housing but the development is subject to the link road construction.

Cllr Tamara Reay, cabinet member for assets, said: “In 2017, Wiltshire Council adopted the Chippenham site allocations plan, which confirmed the allocation of up to 650 houses at Rawlings Green, subject to the incorporation and delivery of a link road from Parsonage Way to Darcy Close, via a new bridge over the railway.

“The requirement to deliver such a link has been incorporated in subsequent planning permissions.”

The initial proposal also includes five-hectares of employment-generating land, a primary school, and a 10-hectare country park.

The site at Rawlings Farm (Image: Newsquest)

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Summix believes the proposed neighbourhood would provide housing and key services.

A spokesperson said: “The proposals for Rawlings Green will provide 650 new high-quality homes and offer the opportunity to create an attractive new neighbourhood that helps provide a mix of new housing for future generations.

“It will help to deliver improved connectivity in the area and promote sustainable movement, whilst providing a country park and other high-quality green space within the development and along the bank of the River Avon, as well as a new primary school, community facilities, local shops and retirement living accommodation.

“We are in the process of preparing a more detailed application for the site, of which we will provide further updates in due course.”